Social media sites struggle to contain video of New Zealand shooting

Enlarge/ The shooter had a collection of guns in his car before he entered the mosque.

A white nationalist who murdered an estimated 49 Muslims in Christchurch, New Zealand, on Friday livestreamed a portion of his gruesome crime on Facebook, sending social media companies scrambling to contain the spread of the video.

Major social media platforms, including Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter, have terms of service prohibiting graphically violent videos. Officials worry that wide distribution of such videos boosts the profile of mass shooters and could inspire copycats. It can also be painful for victims’ families.

“Our hearts are broken over today’s terrible tragedy in New Zealand,” YouTube tweeted. “Please know we are working vigilantly to remove any violent footage.”